Huhne: EU cannot achieve legally binding deal alone

A legally binding deal on global emissions cannot be achieved by the European Union alone, according to UK energy secretary Chris Huhne.

Speaking today (December 8) at COP17 in the South African city of Durban, the minister said he hoped all countries would 'commit now' to a comprehensive global legal framework.

But he claimed, while Europe could lead the way but the continent could not do it all on its own.

Mr Huhne said: "Together with the EU, we have clearly stated that we are willing to move to a second Kyoto commitment period, maintaining ambition and environmental integrity.

"But to do that in isolation makes no sense, a second commitment period covering only the EU and two or three other developed countries would control less than 15% of global emissions - some 85% of global emissions would remain uncontrolled."